Residents across South Cheshire are set to pay on average £14 more for policing after a planned increase in the force’s council tax precept was approved.
Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC), proposed the precept which was given the go ahead by the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel.
It follows a consultation with residents about how much they would be willing to pay for policing.
The proposed increase of £14 per year for a band D property was supported by 66% of residents who responded to the consultation.
With around two thirds of Cheshire properties falling into band A-C, the increase for most households will be less than the £14 annually.
During the public consultation, people were asked to choose from three available options
No rise – leading to reduction in services beyond the £6.3m in savings already identified.
£14 rise per year (for band D properties) – allows Cheshire Constabulary to maintain the improved level of service that has been achieved over the past year and enhance neighbourhood policing.
£28 rise per year (for band D properties) – allow for further investment in key areas like technology and protecting vulnerable people as well as an enhancement to neighbourhood policing.
Mr Price (pictured) said: “I know people are still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis but it’s clear from the consultation that Cheshire residents want more from their police service.
“As the voice of the public in policing, ensuring residents had their say on what they are willing to pay was important and has been reflected in my decision to increase the annual amount up to £14.
“The budget that was approved today, will help the Constabulary to deliver my Police and Crime Plan which will help communities feel safer and thrive.
“I regularly hear that people want a more visible police service and this increase in funding will help enhance neighbourhood policing.”
The planned increase comes just a day after Cheshire East Council approved plans to raise their council tax precept by 4.99%.
Can’t remember the figures being quoted in the information I received via email but one was obviously lower than the £14.00 and the other one higher at £28.00. Basically, it was always going to be £14.00, with or without consultation and held to ransom over the £14.00, in that the PCC didn’t want to impose the £28.00 increase as the middle figure would be better for people’s pockets. I live in a rural area and our area never sees a policeman/police patrols (wondering what they look like now). Did ask once for speed cameras to be installed or smiley face telling you your speed, or those strips put across the road to monitor average speed. What a waste of my breath in doing so. Local police person came out in high viz, so what happened, all speeding vehicles slowed down. Hacks me off big time, having to pay for feck all. If the PCC would like to contact myself, I would welcome that. My details can be obtained from Nantwich News
What consultation? Where were we asked? Never received any communication by mail ( then again the postal service is dire), flyer etc. They hid the consultation so the people in the know could respond favourably for the PCC (who shouldn’t even have a job). Rant over!
Found on BBC News. Just under 1700 responses. Surely, more publicity is required together with easy responses.
As usual little facts mentioned – 66% of what. How many supported this out of how many eligible to vote. Perhaps, the PCC would respond asap.